Museum in Kursk was found on May 6, 1903 by Kursk governor N. Gordeev. Initially it was named "History-archaeological and handicraft in honour of Nikolai II and his stay in Kursk in 1902". On January 31, 1905 the exposition was opened for visitors. In 1915 it was more than 10, 000 exhibits in the Museum and 1, 000 books in its library. More than 65, 000 of people had visited the Museum during the first 10 years. At present about 60, 000 people visit it per annum. There are more than 180, 000 exhibits in the Museum's funds which include the unique collections of beads, china ware, numismatics, arm, rare books, painting, furniture, costume. The exposition is situated in 3 departments: nature, pre-revolutionary history and history of Soviet society. Temporary exhibitions from other regions of Russia and CIS-countries are usually placed in the exhibit halls. Kursk Museum of Local History is the center of scientific, educative and methodological work, it actively cooperate with educational institutions of Kursk region